For more than a century, the Robert Wholey & Co. Inc. has provided fresh produce to Pittsburgh residents. The longtime staple celebrated 113 years in business over the weekend with a sea themed event.
New and old customers gathered at their store in the Strip District to partake in Wholey’s annual, activity-filled anniversary event. Events started with a free cooking demo hosted by Shayla Penn, owner of Burgh Eats and Treats.
One of Penn’s earliest memories was shopping at Robert Wholey’s Co. Inc. with her mom every Sunday.
“After church,” Penn recalled, “we got our proteins and our food for Sunday dinners here. So it’s a full circle moment to be able to cook.”
The demo was followed by celebratory cake cutting with all three owners, Dan, Jim, and Sam Wholey — the three grandsons of the original owner of the McKees Rocks location in 1948, Robert L. Wholey.
“Growing up in the business, it instilled a good work ethic in me and particularly to be gracious to the customer, treat them well, and give them good value,” said Sam Wholey.
The event was littered with sea-themed decor, raffle baskets, and live mermaid performances to honor the customers that have kept the family-owned business alive despite uncertainty in it’s future, according to Sam.
“It’s our desire to continue the legacy, but we’re trying to keep it in the family. It’s a challenge, especially in this market,” he said.
Regardless, Dan Wholey expects the future of the company to remain the same, full of interpersonal care and fresh produce.
“Right here at 1711 Penn Avenue. Plenty of fish and certainly affordable. We’ve been serving great meals for 113 years.”
